The Pulaski County Commissioners have approved the replacement of a piece of equipment for the county’s Highway Department. During Monday’s Commissioners meeting, Highway Superintendent Terry Ruff asked for the commissioners’ approval to replace a broken repeater, part of the radio system used to communicate with the department’s trucks.

There are long-range plans to move the department’s communications equipment to a new location, but Commission President Terry Young told Ruff there are still a few more hurdles to clear first. “To move the tower is going to be at least $15,000; plus the FCC change in address is horrendous red tape,” Young said.

Ruff replied, “I guess what I’m getting at, it would be nice if we could all have everything right here in this area, instead of stuck out there at the old garage. I don’t know what else we can do with it at this time. And if we ever do move it, I guess maybe the repeater would still be serviceable for the new area.”

Given the urgency of the need for a replacement, the commissioners voted to allow Ruff to proceed with the purchase. It’s expected to cost just over $9,000, with that money coming out of the Highway Department’s Miscellaneous Tools and Equipment Fund.

The commissioners also gave their permission for Ruff to move ahead with the installation of the department’s 100-kilowatt generator. The Highway Department got the generator free of charge, but the installation is expected to cost over $10,000. That money is planned to come out of the county’s Cumulative Capital Development Fund.

Not only would the installation of the generator enable the Highway Department to continue operating during a power outage, but it would also allow the department’s facilities to be used as an emergency shelter, should the need arise.